Send Personal Expressions of Gratitude in Thanksgiving Invitations

Thanksgiving is traditionally a family holiday but with more people living far away from relatives, consider inviting friends to join in your annual Thanksgiving feast. Let friends and family members know how much you want their company by making creative Thanksgiving invitations.

Make your own invitations in the spirit of the Thanksgiving season. Use the invitations to express gratitude to your guests individually. To make your invitations, download a design from one of the many web sites that provide invitation templates. You can choose from whimsical designs or scenic pictures of autumn leaves and Thanksgiving food.

Grace the front of your party invitations with a quote about thanksgiving or gratitude. Here are three suggestions:

• "Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them is the true measure of our thanksgiving." –W.T. Purkiser
• "Gratitude is the sign of noble souls." –Aesop
•  "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." –John F. Kennedy

Make the inside of your invitation a personal Thanksgiving sentiment. Each invitation can be personalized for the recipient.

Dear Bruce and Barb,

We appreciate your friendship and the special part you play in our lives. We would be honored to have you join us as we celebrate our blessings at Thanksgiving Dinner…

Extend the Theme to the Whole Party

Carry the theme of the invitations over into your Thanksgiving party decorations. Make name cards using the same picture and quote. Make a Thanksgiving centerpiece with autumn leaves and fruit. Use a gold pen to write names of blessings on each piece of fruit. Include blessings such as love, laughter, family, friends, shelter and food, and the names of each of your Thanksgiving guests.

Begin the Thanksgiving meal with a toast or prayer of gratitude. You can find suggestions for the wording and other party planning tips on holiday celebration web sites.

Related Articles

• Invitation Wording Creates Anticipation
• Plan Your Dinner: Thanksgiving Table Decorations and Invitations

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